Policeman's Lamp - Dark Lantern, Bullseye Lantern (2)
Policeman's lamp - front view
Name/Title
Policeman's Lamp - Dark Lantern, Bullseye Lantern (2)Entry/Object ID
2025.1.857Description
Metal cylindrical lamp, with two fluted flues on the top, large spherical lens, handles at back and also a clip to attach to a belt. The lamp also has an internal aluminium shutter, which shuts the light off andis operated by turning the flutes on top of the lamp.Context
Victorian policeman's lamp c 1890. The lamp was also known as a Dark Lantern and a Bullseye Lamp - because of the large protruding lens. This lamp marked with the maker's name T Joyce, followed by no. 43 and Bishopsgate Without, which is the name of a old area in the City of London. The name Dark Lantern refers to the ability to shut the light off with the shutter. Originally light with a candle, it was more convenient to close a shutter than blow out the light. The lantern that Guy Fawkes is supposed to have used when entering the House of Parliament to blow them, is of a very similar design. It is on display at the Ashmolean Museum Oxford but can be seen online: https://www.ashmolean.org/guy-fawkes-lanternCataloged By
Felix LamCategory
Identity, Tools, Occupation